Originally Posted by
cudak888
I never came close to suggesting that any sort of "cowering" was the answer. My point is that protest (and as UnsafeAlpine put quite well, the fact that CM admittedly lacks an objective - if it is, indeed, just a "big bike ride" - does not help it in the least bit) loses all its credibility if it's purpose is to be as physically disruptive as possible. At that point, it ceases to be peaceful protest.
For that matter, the amount of violence that has been documented during CM rides should be sufficient evidence that it has intent to provoke. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of other group rides not of a CM nature that are held every weekend around the U.S., and, not surprisingly, you do not hear copious reports of outright tarmac wars from every one of those rides.
Poor example. Her protest did not physically interfere with the operation of the bus - society's lack of tolerance for peoples of differing ethnicities was. Normal bus operation could have just as well continued no matter where she sat.
1. the mobile transit authority most certainly thought ms. park's behaviour was disruptive. "normal" bus operations demanded ms. parks sit behind the movable "coloured row". she did not, ergo the bus did not perform as "normal". however, if you wish you can substitute greensboro sit-ins or the pre-1920 suffragette movement or whatever meets every single exact criteria you may want. the bottom line, however, is this: meaningful change is comes through confrontation. obedience only serves to perpetuate the status quo.
2. the violence that i have heard reported at cm rides seems to be almost exclusively initiated by motorists or the police.
3. yes, there are all sorts of other group rides that i hear nothing about, that no one ever hears anything about. and, as a result, those group rides will never accomplish anything.
4. cm certainly has its problems, but one of them is not a lack of a point or objective. in fact, the main problem with cm is the exact opposite: too many messages. cm lacks focus and the ability to stay "on topic", it's true, but this is the nature of any non-organized event.